Texas Rangers Blog

White Sox chairman lauds Pierzynski

In a conference call with area media on Wednesday, new Texas Rangers catcher A.J. Pierzynski fielded numerous questions about being disliked by opponents and teammates.

The line of questioning was somewhat odd. Pierzynski irritates opponents with his anything-to-win style, but the last time teammates ripped him came in the form of anonymous quotes from San Francisco pitchers in 2004.

The Chicago White Sox held Pierzynski in such high regard that team chairman Jerry Reinsdorf felt the need to issue a statement on the club’s catcher for the last eight years moving on to the Rangers.

“A.J. Pierzynski played a major role in many of the greatest moments in recent Chicago White Sox history,” said Reinsdorf, reciting moments such as Pierzynski reaching base on a third strike in the dirt during the 2005 American League Championship Series. “A.J. was a key contributor, often in his own very unique way.

“Every White Sox fan appreciates and celebrates what A.J. meant to this organization during his time in Chicago. A.J. epitomized Chicago’s South Side through his toughness, his attitude, his flair for the dramatic and his passion for the game. He came to compete – and to win – every day.

“A.J. will forever be appreciated and remembered by White Sox fans as a very special member of this franchise. He earned that spot in our hearts. I personally wish A.J. the very best with the Rangers and with the rest of his career. I suspect U.S. Cellular Field will be one ballpark where A.J. Pierzynski will never be booed. He’s earned our cheers.”